crowell



(No Model.) v 5 Sheets-Sheet 1.` L. C. GROWBLL.

FOLDING APPARATUS.

No. 331,281. y Patented'Dec. 1, 1885.

ff-1m l 111 l Ill u" WHIHNI 5 Sheets-Sheet 2. L. C. OROWELL.

FOLDING APPARATUS.

(No Model.)

110.331,281. Paten-ted Dec. 1, 1885.

(No Model.) 5 sheets-#sheet 3..

L, 0. OROWBLL. FOLDING APPARATUS- No. 331,281. Patented Dec. 1,1885

5 shams-sheet 4.

(No Model.)

L. C. GRGWBLL. FOLDING APPARATUS.

No. 331,281. ,Patented Deo.'1, 1885.

(No Model.)

j 5 Sheets-Slheelt 5. L. C. GROWELL.

FOLDING APPARATUS.

No. 331,281. Patented Deo. 1, 18857.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEECE.

LUTHER c. OROWELL, OE BROOKLYN, AssieNoR rro R. HOE a co., OE NEW YORK, N. Y.

FOLDING APPARATUS.

SPECIFCATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 331,281, dated December l, 1885. Application filed June 12, 1884. Seria-l No.134,635. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, LUTHER O. CROWELL, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of Brooklyn, county of Kings, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Apparatus, fully described and represented in the following specification and the accompanying drawings, forming part of the same.

This invention relates to that class of foldingmachines which are `known in the art under the general name of longitudinal folders, but more particularly to that class of these folders in which the folding is accomplished by causing the sides of the web or sheet to approach each other through converging paths of travel until they are brought together, as distinguished from those in which the folding is accomplished by entering the fold-line of the sheet into the bite of rolls or jaws and then bringing the sides together.

In these folders as heretofore organized the parts have been so constructed and arranged that dnring its passage through the folder the web or sheet was controlled throughout its entire width, so that all portions upon any given line taken in the direction of its length or movement were caused to take the same course or path of travel.

-In operating upon sheets with a folder thus constructed, and particularly when the paper is in certain conditions due to quality, dampness, stiffness, &c., or is several plies in thickness, and more particularly when the sheet has already received one or more folds and is delivered to the folder with one of its folded edges in advance, it frequently happens that the paper near the longitudinal fold, and particularly at the point of intersection of the two folds,will be wrinkled to a greater or less eX- tent. It also sometimes happens that the act of bending the sides of the sheet to cause them to take their converging paths of travel .will cause the sheet to be retarded slightly,so

that it will fail to be presented in proper time to the subsequent mechanisms. These difficulties, which are not experienced when operating upon single sheets, are due to the fact that when the paper is several plies in thickness, and particularly when it has already received one or more folds at right angles to the longitudinal fold, it is rendered so stiff and untractable that it will not readily conform itself to the exact course of travel which it is required to take in passing through the folder.

It is the object of the present invention to overcome these difficulties, and to produce a longitudinal folder which shall be capable of operating successfully upon and imparting a smooth and even fold to sheets which have already been folded one or more times, which folder shall also be capable of operating snccessfully upon unfolded sheets,whether single or several plies in thickness.

The folder embodying the present invention, when constructed in its most complete and perfect form, is composed of a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism which is arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, external turners which are arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, an internal central plate or guide which is arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheets after they have been `turned inward, a creaser which acts to distend the central portion of the sheet and aid in defining the foldline,and a fold-laying device by which the sides of the sheets are pressed together and the fold set. Certain of these elements may, however, be omitted without wholly departing from the invention.

In a folder thus constructed the central portion of the sheet, or that portion which is to receive the fold, being the only part of the sheet that is positively controlled during the folding operation, it results that the sides of the sheet as they are bent inward toward each other are left free to accommodate themselves to the position which the fold-line is compelled to retain, and consequently all tendency of the material to wrinkle at or near the fold is avoided.

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, whereof Fig. l is a front elevation, Fig. 2 a side elevation, Fig. 3 a plan or top view, Fig. 4 a plan view of the internal mem- IOO the sheet-feeding mechanism.

ber of the sheet-feeding mechanism andthe external turners separated from .the other parts, Fig. 5 an elevation of the same and its adjuncts with portions in section, and Fig. 6 a perspective view of the internal member of l( ig. 7 is a side elevation, and Fig. 8 a front elevation, illustrating a'moditied form of the external turners. Fig. 9 is a perspective view, and Fig. 10 a plan view, of another modification of the external turners. Fig; 11 is a side elevation of a modification of the folder, whereof Figs. 12 and 13 are respectively horizontal sections on the lilies w and y. Fig.14 is a modified form of the sheet-feeding mechanism. Figs. 15,16, 17, 18,19, 20,21, and 22 are diagrams illustrating the different positions the leading end of the sheet will take in its passage through the folder.

Thesheet carrying or feeding mechanism consists ofan internal and an external member, between which the sheets are held and supported and by which they are advanced through the folder.

The internal member may consist of a tape or cord passing around suitable pulleys, or it quired, accordi ng to their thick ness.

may consist of abar or rod, or it may consist ofa number of pulleys, the spaces between which are bridged by suitable stationary guides. The preferred construction of this internal member is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and5, -where it is shown as consisting ot' a tape, 4, which passes over pulleys 11 12 13, and provides a bearing of sufficient width to support the sheet along that portion which is to receive the fold. are mounted between internal central plates, A, which are supported by an arm, B, and are held the proper distance from each other to accommodate the pulleys by staypieces 3. The lower edges of the plates A are preferablybent inward, so as to form an edge, 10, said plates being dressed off, as may be re- The edge 10 thus formed is parallel with and near the periphery of the fold-laying roller yD, and is vpreferably extended longitudinally by an angular plate or creaser, 2, which protrudes centrally from and at the lower part ofthe plates. The lower contracted portion of the plates A might be a wedge-like shoe-piece constructed separately andv attached vbetween said plates. The pulleys-11 12 13 form,supports for the tape 4, which runs from the roller 30 in contact with pulleys 1l 12, and returns over the 'pulley 13.

vTheiexternal member of the sheet-feeding mechanism may consist of a tape or cord arranged to co-operate with the tape 4, or it may-consist of suitable pulleys; or, it the internal member is composed` of one, or more pulleys, withor without a tape or cord, it may .consist of a bar or rod arranged to hold the sheets against the internal member. In the preferred construction it consists of a tape, 5, that runs from the roller 31 in contact with a pulley, 14, supported by a rod, P, and returns The pulleys 11 12 13 over a pulley, 15, supported by a rod, Q. These pulleys 14 15 are paired with or run in nipping contact with the pulleys 12 13, respectively, and act to seize and positively feed the sheet, or cause the tapes 4 5 to so act. The rods P Q, which support the pulleys `14 15, are secured to a transverse rod, F, and by means of this arrangement these pulleys bear against thel pulleys 12 13 with a yielding pressure, so as to always maintain a nipping contact. These tapes may be omitted in some cases, and the pulleys be positively driven and depended upon to cause the positive feed; but the tapes are preferably employed.

The rollers 30 3l constitute the means for delivering the sheet to the folder, and may have sheets conveyed to them in any-convenient way from any source, as from a printingmachine or from a table from which the sheets are fed by hand. If the sheets are fed by hand, a pair of pulleys, around which thetapes 4 5 pass, may be used in place ot' the rollers 30 3l, the rollers and pulleys 32 33 34 being dispensed with. In the illustration the point ot' receiving the sheet is at the pair of rollers 3 2 33, around which the tapes 4 5 return to the rollers 3() 31, the outer tape, 5, passing over roller 32 and the inner tape, 4, over roller 33. For carrying the sheets from these rollers 32 33 to the rollers 30 31 body and marginall tapes are provided. (See Figs. 1 and 3.) The upper body tapes are marked 17 and the upper margin tapes are marked 18, which tapes all run from the roller 32 and return over the roller 3l and tightening pulleys 34. Under body tapes, 19, and under margin tapes, 20, (see Figs. 1 and 2,) run from the roller 33 and return over the roller 30 and operate as companions to the tapes 17 18, and in conjunction with the tapes 4 5 they form a pathway from the rollers 32 33, to the rollers 30 31 of a l width equal to that of the sheet, which pathway may be extended in any direction to conduct the sheets from the source of supply to the folder. As here shown, the angular plate or creaser 2 is a separate piece held between the stay-pieces 3, and gradually protrudes from its inner or upper point to its lower or outer point. (See Figs. 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11.) This plate 2 may be a separate piece thus attached, or be formed as a part of the staypieces, or of the said wedge-like shoe-piece, or of the plates A. It is rpreferably made as a separate piece and pivoted at its upper end, as in Fig. 5, and provided with a means ot' adjustment, so that its protrusion may be adjusted at will. The means shown is a pivoted arm,r 26, in the threaded socket ot' which a screw-rod, 27, engages, said rod turning in a seat, 2S. It will readily be seen that as the IIO central portion of the sheet is nipped against.`

the front face of the internal member of the' .incipient fold which is formed by bending the sheet across the front face will have an extent Vequal to the width of the face of the internal `half the width of the face of the internal member of the feeding mechanism.

The internal central plates, A, in addition 'to affording a support for the pulleys ll l2 13, also perform another function of importance, which will be hereinafter explained.

i The external turners extend on opposite sides of the plates A, and, as shown in Figs. l to 5,

vconsistof curved bars or rods C R O on the one side, and W E L on the other. These bars are all attached at their upper ends to and made independently adjustable upon the rod ters the folder,

F, which is arranged beneath and parallel with the axis of roller 31. The bars O W extend in planes parallel with the sides of the plates A, but sufliciently distant therefrom to admit the passage of the paper. Their upper ends are far enough in advance of the outer edge of the 'front face of the internal member of the feeding mechanism to admit the introduction of the paper between them and the front face of said member, and said rods as they descend gradually curve rearwardly. The bars C L have their upper ends attached to the rod F at a considerable distance from but in alignment with the upper ends of the bars O WV, s0 t-hat a sheet distended in a straight line may be fed onto them. These bars C L extend downward, rearward, and inward, and their lower ends are distant from but aligned with the bars O XV (see Figs. l and 2) at a point nea-r to that at which the plates A begin t0 contract to form the edge 10. The bars R E are attached to the bar F midway between the bars O O and YV L, respectively, and they descend and curve laterally and rearwardly, and terminate in alignment with the bars C O and W L, respectively. These bars R E are not essential, though preferably employed, and the bars C O, with or without R and V L, with or without E, may have their lower ends free, as shown, or bejoined together, as by a common tie-bar.

The sets of bars C R O and W E L each form what is in effect a twisted guide or turner, the upper or receiving point of which lies parallel with the plane in which the paper to be folded moves as it is delivered to the folder, whilethelower or terminal ends oftheseguides lie in planes parallel, or nearly so, with the sides of the plates A, the bodies of these guides being gradually curved from the one plane to the other. Their function is to gradually turn the opposite sides of a traveling sheet (whose central portion is nipped and held by the feeding mechanism) from one plane to another approximately at a right angle to the first plane, the result of which is that the sheet, spread straight as it leaves the rollers 30 3l and enwhere its center is held, being nipped between the tapes 4 5, has its opposite sides at its leading end gradually turned toward each other by mere contact with the eX- ternal turners or twisted guides. This turning inward of the sides of the leading end of the sheet continues until said endarrives at the lower ends of the external turners, at which time it will have assumed the shape shown in the diagram Fig. 20. As soon 'as the rear end of the sheet passes out of the control ofthe rollers 80 3l the entire sides of the sheet will be left without internal support, but its central portion being nipped and held by the feeding mechanism the pressure of the external turners against the sides will operate to at once throw the entire side portionsinward lo substantially the position shown in the diagram Fig. 20, and only require to have that part of it which is held bythe feeding mechanism distended or broughtgtofapoint to accomplish a complete folding. This distending is accomplished by the bringing of the opposite sides of the sheet together at the foldlaying roller D, and will beinsured and aided by the angular plate or creaser 2, the result of which will be the relation of its side shown in the diagram Fig. 21. i

As the leading ends of the sides of the sheet are turned inward toward each other, as just described, they will come into contact with the internal central plates, A, and will be directed downward by these plates to the foldlaying device. ln operating at slow speeds these plates might be dispensed with, as the opposite sides of the sheet would come together and serve to direct each other to the fold-layingdevice; but in operating at high speeds these plates or someequivalent directing device interposed between the sides of the sheet add greatly to the efficiency and accuracy of the folder.

For the purpose of creasing and fixing the fold thus formed, there is provided a fold-laying device,which may consistof a pair of rollers, or of one roller and suitable tapes.

In order that the sheet may be folded properly, it is necessary that it should be brought to or substantially to the condition illustrated in Fig. 20 before its leading edge arrives at the fold-laying device, and in order to permit this it is necessary that the distance from the rollers 30 3l, if these rollers are employed, to

the fold-laying device should be at least equal to the length of the sheet operated upon, so that the rear end of the sheet may pass out of the control of the rollers before its leading end arrives at the fold-laying device.

It is also necessary that the fold-laying device should be arranged at or about at right angles to the sheet-feeding mechanism of the folder. The angle may be varied slightly, depending upon the width of thefeeding mechanism; but it will always be nearly a right angle. i

For the purpose ofguiding the sheet to the fold-laying device-as, for instance, the roller D-a set of external guides on each side of the wedge-like terminal bottom or shoe-piece of the plates A may be employed, said guides conforming to the angle of the sides of said terminal piece. However, as shown in the construction now being considered, this guiding is performed by tapes 21 22, that run over io sides of the sheet together as it is driven onward and compel said sides to lap together as they pass onto the roller D. As the sides of the sheet are gradually brought together that portion of the paper before stretched over the internal member of the feeding mechanism is distended or bent outward horizontally through the force exerted by the lapping together of the sides of the sheet, aided by the angular plate 2, the'result being that as the sheet enters onto the roller D its body is doubled on a central line, and the sides are completely lapped together as in Fig. 22. This constitutes the complete folding of the paper, and it may be carried from the foldlaying roller D to any deliverymechanism, as a iiy or another folding mechanism. Y

As shown herein,the delivery is a so-called rotary iiy, similar to that shown in United States Letters Patent No. 281,7 54-that is, a cylinder, S, provided at suitable distances apart with grippers 4() that are mounted in the periphery of the cylinder and actuated so as to operate rst to seize the front or leading edge of a sheet and carry it onward until it overlies delivering-tapes, as 41,and then open to release the sheet and deposit it upon said tapes before a stop, 42, which tapes, moving over pulleys,as 43,carry sheet after sheet outward from the machine. Certain features of this rotary fly form the subjectmatter of another application,and hence are not claimed herein.

The tapes 21 22, as here arranged, run as follows: 'lhe tapes 22 run from the roller 24 5 under the roller D, thence for a distance in the roller D.

contact with the cylinder S, and return over guiding-pulleys 35 and tightening-pulleys 36. The tapes 21 run from thek rollei` 23 under the roller D,around the cylinder S,and return over tightening-pulleys 37.

Both the tapes 21 22 and their equivalent conductors, as aids to the bringing together of the sides of the sheet and the forming of the complete fold, maybe omitted if a companion fold-laying roller, D', (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1,) is mounted in nipping contact with In such case the sides of the sheet will be drawn toward each other by the action of the angular plate or creaser 2 sufficiently to be properly lapped as they enter the rollers D D', the result of which will be a perfect formation of the fold.

It will now be understood that the folding operation is accomplished as follows: A sheet fed onward by the rollers or pulleys 30 31 will be distended in a straight line, Fig. 15, as it is `carried into the folder, in this condition entering between the internal members of the feeding mechanism and the upper ends of the bars() R O W E L, or equivalent guides, the central portion remaining in the embrace of the tapes 4 5, forming the two members of the feeding mechanism. As these tapes act to carry the sheet downward,it follows that while said central portion is compelled to travel directly' forward in a determined path those portions of the sheet that project laterally from said central portion-thatis,the free opposite sides of the sheet-will be acted upon by the rods C R O W E L, and be guided by said rods, the result of which will be, since the sides are unsupported, that the leading edge of the sides of the sheet will be gradually turnedinward or toward each other, in which turning they will assume approximately the various positions indicated by the diagrams Figs. 16 to 20, inclusive. rIlhe leading edge of the sheet is thus gradually turned from a single plane until its sides occupy parallel planes at right angles to that occupied by its central part, as shown in Fig. 20. rlhis is the condition which the leading edge of the sheet will have assumed as it reaches the lower ends of the turners C L, 8vo., at which time the sides of the leading edge will rest against the plates A, while the central portion will be held between thc members of the feeding mechanism. The parts of the folder will preferably be so proportioned that when the leading edge of the sheet has arrived in this position its rear edge will still be in the control of the rollers 30 31, and will consequently remain distended in a straight line. This will cause the sides of the front edge as they are turned inward, as just stated, to lie in an oblique position along the sides of the plates A, and not parallel with the fold-laying roller D. At or about the time, however, that the leading edge of the sheet has been turned inward so as to assume the position indicated in Fig. 20 Aits rear edge will pass out of the control of the rollers 30 31, and as soon as this takes place the pressure of the turners C L, 8vo., the sides of the sheet being then without internal support, will throw the entire sides of the sheet inward against or nearly against the plates A, thus causing them to assume approximately the position indicated in Fig. 20, and at the same time bringing the leading edge of the sheet into a position parallel with the fold-laying roller D. As the sheet descends farther the tapes 21 22 or equivalent devices will cause its sides to be brought -together or lapped into contact as the roller D is reached, and during this gradual guiding or lapping of said sides of the sheet its central portion, that unites the two side portions at right angles thereto, will he gradually bent outward by the distending action exerted in bringing the sides together or in passing over the angular plate 2, so that said central portion will as it reaches the roller D be distended and lapped flat and form parallel continuations of the sides of the sheet, having passed through gradual stages IOO , 13 and 14 15 of distending or lapping (represented by the l diagrams Figs. 21 and 22.) As all portions of the sheet that have passed the bars O W thus lie parallel with the sides of the plates A, .it 1s obvious that said bars may be extended toward and even beyond the feeding mechanism by fixed plates or shields T, (shown in the modified construction illustrated by Figs. 7 and 8.)

It is not essential that the bars C L or R E should extend down to the point where the contraction of the plates A begin. Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate this, and show a practical form of folder in which said bars are relatively quite short. Between the bars O W and the bars C L there may be as many intermediates or associates as practice may determine to be advantageous. Vhen these bars have free bottom ends, they can have a construction formed by a large base and gradual taper, whereby a stiffness suitable to retain them in place may be had.

The external turners or bars may be made to conform with the contracted portion of the plates A, and thus extend nearly down to its point 10, as is shown in Figs. 7 and 8, and thus provide a substitute guiding device that may be used instead of the tapes 21 22.

It has been said that the external turners might be formed by twisted plates. This is shown in the modied folder illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, where plates U Y are used, and which plates provide edges and bodies that are equivalent in function and operation to the bars C O IV L, and which edges are therefore marked with like letters. These plates may have depending portions, asX, that follow the contracted portion of the plates A, and, if desired, may have extensions from the edges or bars O W, that follow the sides ofthe plates A as do the plates T.

In order to narrow the nipping portion of the feeding mechanism, and thus bring the sides of the sheet closer together in the formation of the incipient fold, a cord may be used in place of the tape 4, in which case the pulleys 11 12 13 will be correspondingly narrow, as in Figs. 12, 13, 14.

The pulleys 14 15 may be constructed so as to provide flanges that overlap the internal member of the feeding mechanism, as is shown in Figs. 1l, 12, and 13, and such iianged pulleys may be used, whether the pulleys 11 12 13 carry a tape or cord, 4, or even if the internal member consists of a bar or rod, or of pulleys connected by guides, but unprovided with a tape or cord. Theiianges of these pulleys 14 15 coact with the internal member of the feeding mechanism and the external turner to secure the incipient fold in like manner as do the plates T.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the function of the sheet-feeding mechanism represented by the tapes 4 5 and pulleys 1l 12 is simply to advance the sheet and hold and support its central portion or fold-line while its sides are acted upon and turned inward by the external turners, and that the function of the plates A is simply to support the internal member of the feeding mechanism and afford a guide upon the inside of the sides of the sheet to'direct them to the fold-laying device after they have been turned inward into parallel or substantially parallel positions. This being the case, it is apparent that the construction of these parts may be varied considerably without departing from the invent-ion. For example, a single plate or one or more rods or bars may be used in place of the two plates A to separate the sides of the sheet and direct them to the folcl-laying device, other suitable means being provided for supporting the internal member of the feeding mechanism. So, also, as before stated, the means for supporting and advancing the sheet may consist of two tapes or cords plassing around suitable pulleys, or of one tape or cord and one or more pulleys, or a stationary bar or rod, or of a bar or rod and one or more driven pulleys, or of two sets of pulleys, one or both of which are driven; or, in fact, it may consist of any suitable devices for performing Y this function.

The construction and arrangement of the feeding mechanism and the plates A, which are shown, is that which I regard .as the best, and it has therefore been selected for illustration.

Vhat I claim is- 1. In alongitudinal folder,the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, and au internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, all substantially as described.

2. In a1ongitudinalfolder,the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, and the projecting plate or creaser 2, for aiding in distending the central portion of the sheet, all substantially as described.

3. In a longitudinal folder,the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to di" rect them inward toward each other, an 'internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, and the projecting plate or creaser 2, foraiding in distending the central portion of the sheet, all substantially as described.

4. In a longitudinal folder,the combination,

IOO

ISO

with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, an internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, 1o and a fold-laying device, all substantially as described.

5. In a longitudinal folder,the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or i 5 fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, the projecting plate or creaser 2, for aiding in diszc tending the central portion of the sheet, and

a fold-laying device, all substantially as described.

6. In a longitudinal folder,the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, an internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, the projecting plate or creaser 2, for aiding in distending the central portion of the sheet, and a fold-laying device, all substantially as described.

7. In a longitudinal folder, the combination, with two tapes or cords, as 4 5, passing over suitable pulleys and arranged to grasp or bite upon the central portion or fold-line ofthe sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, and an internal v central plate or guide, as A, arranged to oli- ,.Mrect the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, all substantially as described.

8. In a longitudinal folder, the combination, with two tapes or cords, as 4 5, passing over suitable pulleys and arranged to grasp or bite upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, an internal central plate or guide, as A, arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, and 6o the fold-laying roller or rollers D, all substantially as described.

9. Ina longitudinal folder, the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or 65 fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to di- `adjustable projecting 'plate rect them inward toward each other, and the or creaser 2, for aiding in distending the central portion ofthe sheet, substantially as described.

10. The combination, with sheet feeding mechanism, as the tapes 17 18 20, for advancing the sheet to the folding mechanism, of the tapes or cords 4 5, passing over suitable pulleys and arranged to graspor bite upon the central portion or foldline of the sheet to support and advance the same, the external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, and an internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, all substantially as described.

11. Inalongitudinalfolder,thecombination. with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners consisting of bars, all substantially as described.

12. In alongitudinal folder,the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of external turners consisting of independently-adj ustable bars, all substantially as described.

13. In a longitudinal folder, the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same,of externalturners consisting of bars arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, and an internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, all substantially as described. p

14. In a longitudinal folder, the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism consisting of the tapes or cords 4 5, which are arranged to grasp or bite upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same, of the pulleys 14 15, mounted in the arms P Q,and external turners which are arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to turn them inward toward each other, all substantially as described.

15. In a longitudinal folder, the combination, with a sheet carrying or feed mechanism arranged to act upon the central portion or folddine of the sheet to support and ad- IOO 1 roA Vance the same, of external turners arranged n to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, an internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other,

and having its edge beveled or tapered, as at 10, and the projecting plate or creaser 2, all substantially as described.

16. In a longitudinal folder, the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding meehanism arranged to act upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same,of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, an internal central plate or guide arranged todirect the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, and external guides arranged to direct the sides of the sheet together to complete the folding, all substantially as described.

17. In a longitudinal folder, the combination, with a sheet carrying or feeding mechanism arranged to grasp or bite upon the central portion or fold-line of the sheet to support and advance the same,of external turners arranged to act upon the unsupported sides of the sheet to direct them inward toward each other, an internal central plate or guide arranged to direct the leading ends of the sides of the sheet after they have been turned toward each other, and afold-laying device, all substantially as described.

after they have been turned toward each other 3 5 and having its edge beveled or tapered, as at 10, the projecting plate or creaser 2, external guides arrangedto direct the sides of the sheet together to complete the folding, and a foldlaying device, all substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

LUTHER C. CROWELL.

Witnesses:

J. A. HovEY, T. H. PALMER. 

